Antique Furniture Emporium

The Antique Furniture Emporium is one of three stores owned by Bill and Opal Griffith and it features hundreds of pieces of American antique furniture.

Located at 226 Antique City Drive, the Antique Furniture Emporium is easy to find at the north end of Walnut's downtown block. Call 712/784-3839 to ask for something special.

The Antique Furniture Emporium is located in a former car dealership and has a huge showroom that features not only hundreds of items, but many choices of those items.

The Barn Mall Antiques

The Barn Mall is an Antique Mall located in an old lumber yard building that really is as big as a barn.

Dealers show their antiques in stalls on two levels of the building. A third level is all chairs.

Besides the many large booths with a wide variety of antiques or collectibles for everyone, there is a "rough room" for those who like to repair and refinished their own finds.

Lois Brix is the owner and manager of the Barn mall and during fourteen years in Walnut, the Barn Mall business has become a "must see" for anyone who likes antiques.

The Barn mall is located at 615 Highland Street and can be reached by calling 712/784-3814.

Bear Trap

The Bear Trap first opened during the AmVet's June Walk in 1988. Since that time the ground floor has expanded and the basement has been finished off to make a two story shop. The shop is owned and operated by Rose and Louie Pedersen, Jr.

There are about a dozen consigners from across Iowa. A wide variety of antiques and collectibles can be found within. Furniture, pottery, glassware, advertising and many other things are available.

The shop is open 7 days a week; 10-5 Monday - Saturday 12 - 5 Sunday.

In the center of Walnut at 212 Antique City Drive sits Corn Country Antiques, owned and operated by Dave and Marcia Bradley. Besides owning Corn Country, the Bradley's have done shows throughout the Midwest for many years.

Corn Country Antiques is a delightful mixture of Victorian and turn-of-the-century furnishings, fine glass and china, primitives, collectible rhinestone jewelry, beautifully restored lighting fixtures, and a little of everything in-between. "And if I don't have it," Dave says, "I can probably find it….so I hope that folks will ask if they don't see exactly what they're looking for in the shop."

Just recently, Corn Country Antiques has added approximately fifty-thousand pieces of silver flatware.

While visiting Corn Country Antiques, don't miss the lower level, accessed by a spiral staircase in the rear of the shop. There, Dave and Marcia offer furniture in the rough, primitives, and whatever else they don't happen to have room for upstairs at the time.

Don's Antiques & Antique City Quilters

Don Cox opened Don's Antiques in Walnut in 1996 with a general line of antiques. He specialized in fine china, art glass, cut glass, lamps, tins, advertising items, furniture, glassware, toys, pictures and a huge library with thousands of books.

With his 40 plus years of experience in the antique business and extensive travel in search for antiques, Don's collection is unique.

In 1998 Artie Bedard opened a quilting store in Walnut that complemented the antique, craft, and specialty shops in Walnut.

Artie's skill and ability kept her busy and in demand by are quilters. When she and Don married in 2001, they were each successful business owners. Life took an un-predictable turn when Don became ill and Don and Artie made the decision to move to Bedford to be near Don's family. After Don lost his battle with cancer, Artie found herself the owner of an antique shop in Walnut.

Running the antique shop as a stand alone business would probably have been the easy thing to do, but, Artie's former quilting customers were adamant in their demands for her to share her knowledge and skill with them. After remodeling and reorganizing the shop, located at 310 Antique City Drive, Artie would like to extend an invitation to everyone to stop by and visit Don's Antiques/Antique City Quilters.

The first floor displays beautiful glasswork of all types while the second floor houses while the second floor houses Artie's new quilting machine. She does custom machine quilting, makes t-shirts, memory and custom, made-to-order quilts and stocks a fine selection of fabric (Hoffman, RJR, Jinny Breyer, Concord, to name a few) and notions.

The basement of Don's Antiques/Antique City Quilters houses the library, where virtually thousands of books are located.

Don't shop in Walnut without paying a visit to Don's Antiques/Antique City Quilters. There is something for everyone and it's all in one shop!

DR's Kalico Kraft

DR's Kalico Kraft is owned by Dorine Rasmussen. In its new downtown location, at 206 Antique City Drive, it is newly remodeled and specializes in quilts, pillows, pant sets, sweatshirt jackets, needlework finishing, custom fabric photo albums, and machine applique t-shirts and sweatshirts. DR's is also happy to do complete custom orders of Quilted items and Machine Applique.

There is a large selection of quilt fabrics, books and supplies. Classes are on-going with all types of patterns and methods of quilting being taught.

You can also find the shirts at the Collectible Closet with quilted itmes available at the Olde Tyme Quilt Shoppe. Stop and browse or call 712/784-3865.

Farm Fresh

Bill and Opal Griffith have been selling antiques for what seems like hundreds of years, but they have only owned and operated Farm Fresh Antiques in the current location since 1981.

Although the building at south end of Antique City Drive has been recently remodeled, the Griffiths still feature smalls of all kinds. When asked what they specialize in, they said simply "anything old." They can be reached at 712/784-2275.

Forget-Me-Nots

With antique furniture and glassware as well as gifts of all kinds Forget-Me-Nots definitely has something for nearly everyone.

Susie Sievers and Mark Petersen are the owners and have over twenty years of experience promoting antiques and gifts.

Other special items that you might find at the shop at 209 Antique City Drive will include dried and silk florals, Yankee candles, cards, and doilies.

Don't forget Forget-Me-Nots at 712/784-3040.

Granary Antique Mall

The largest of Walnut's multi-dealer shops, The Granary Antique mall offers the wares of 100 quality antique dealers from seven states. The range of antiques and collectible goods, which fill the two floors, is as extensive as the distance covered by their dealers.

The Granary, at 602 Pearl Street, occupies one of the oldest buildings in downtown Walnut, one of the few which escaped the fire, which destroyed most of the town's commercial buildings in the late 1890's. In the 1800's the building housed "Spangler's Implement House" and "Spangler's Livestock and Coal," establishments, which provided farm machinery, seed, and grain for this farm town of German immigrants. Today you can still see many of the original features of this historic building as they were 100 years ago. The original ropes and pulleys, power drives, and water system which ran the milling facility remain, as do the lime-stone walls on the lower level. These features, plus hitching posts and a water trough in front of the building's covered wooden side-walk evoke memories of the early plains town Walnut certainly was.

Filled with a selection of fine antiques from the primitive to Victoriana to turn-of-the-century oak, plus glass ware from carnival to art glass, paper goods, kitchen wares, butter churns, and so very much more, no visit to Iowa's Antique City is complete without stopping by the Granary Antique mall for a visit with brothers Tim and Troy Suhr, owners and operators.

Heart of Country

With over twenty years antique experience Floyd and Doreen Knop and Neal and Pam Schirm are sure to find and provide some of the best antique deals in Walnut.

Specializing in country primitives and pine furniture and displaying some handmade quilts, Heart of Country is one of the oldest and best know shops in Walnut.

Located on the east side of the downtown business district, Heart of Country is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and often on Sunday. Stop in at 207 Antique City Drive or call 712/784-3825 for something special.

Olde Tyme Quilting Shop

Julia Bryan is the new owner of the Olde Tyme Quilting Shop. Customer service is a priority and there is always a warm welcome for everyone. Julia does machine quilting and has several patterns to choose from. You may also get your quilts finished by either having a machine or hand binding put on them.

There is a very nice selection of fabrics to choose from, so stop in to check out the great bargains.

Located at 215 Antique City Drive in Walnut, you may also reach Julia by calling 712/784-3653 or 1-888-784-3661.

The Victorian Rose

Established in 1988, The Victorian Rose offers two floors of Walnut and Oak furniture. In addition, the 'Rose' offers a large selection of fine glassware, ornate frames and hand made silk lampshades.

Owners Bob and Linda Hilligas add merchandise weekly and offer free delivery within a hundred mile radius.

The Village Blacksmith

The cement block building at 610 Pearl Street in Walnut was a blacksmith shop for many years and evidence of its former life is obvious in the design as well as some of the antiques featured by owner Elimar Sudmann.

Found on the south end of Walnut's business district, the Village Blacksmith is an Antique Mall overflowing with a general line of antiques.

Numerous items can be found in the blacksmith alcove or inside the building itself. Room settings in the front of the building show the furniture and many other items in their best light, while a huge room at the back of the mall offers thousands of other items for display.

Stop in and see what is new at The Village Blacksmith or call Elimar at 712/784-3332.

Walnut Antique Mall

Anything from jewelry to kitchen cupboards can be found in the Walnut Antique Mall at 513 Pearl Street in Walnut.

With over thirty dealers the Walnut Antique Mall, owned by the Bill Griffith family, offers something for everyone. They do not promote crafts.

If you're wondering if it might be there, give Paula a call at 712/784-3322.

Barb's Beauty Shop

Barb Sampson offers her many years of experience as a hair stylist to serve the needs of young and old.

Barb's Beauty Shop features hairstyles for all ages, perms, coloring and the works. There is also a tanning bed for those who wish for a quick summer tan.

Barb keeps many varieties of shampoos, gels and lotions in stock and has hours that are convenient for all. Call for an appointment at 712/784-3435 or stop in at 717 Antique City Drive in Walnut.

Gary and Linda Nash, brokers and owners of Ideal Realty have been in the Real Estate business for twenty years. They have been in their present location at 301 Antique City Drive for over fourteen years.

The Nash's specialize in selling homes, farm and commercial real estate sales and certified appraisals. They can help with your real estate needs, whether buying or selling. If buying, they can help find that "Ideal" property for you, and if selling they will help find the "Ideal" buyer for your property.

To find Ideal Realty, look for the building with two large round windows in front. Gary and Linda can be reached at either 712/784-3333 or 712/784-3633, unless they are showing a house. They may also be contacted by e-mail at idealre@walnutel.net

Walnut has a K-12 school system and the Nash's feel it is a progressive community with residents of all ages and a variety of properties available at this time. Financing is available in the area.

You're always welcome in Walnut - "Iowa's Antique City".

Peace Haven Retirement Home

Since 1964, Peace Haven has been a "home of gracious living" sponsored by the Peace Haven Association of Walnut. There were originally seventy independent living apartments with full meal service, housekeeping and laundry for care-free retirement.

Peace Haven is now a thriving community of seniors, the nations fastest growing population segment. Recent growth in home delivered care services has benefited many residents who take advantage of these resources to assist them in continuing to live independently.

Call and ask for more information on Peace Haven Retirement Home at 900 Antique City Drive by dialing 712/784-2231 or visit our website at: http://showcase.netins.net/web/peacehaven

Ransom Insurance

Ed Ransom has been providing insurance to Walnut area residents for twenty-five years.

E.L. Ransom is an Independent Insurance Agent of home, auto, farm, business, crop hail, and all risk crop insurance needs.

Call Ed at 712/784-3326 with questions.

Visitors Center

While visiting Iowa's Antique City, many of the facilities and services you require are cordially and conveniently offered by the Walnut Visitor's Center. Located at 607 Highland Street (just around the corner from Antique City Drive, at the north end of the downtown block), the Visitors Center offers public restrooms, seasonally air-conditioned or heated seating, soft drinks and coffee, a public telephone, and travelers information about Walnut and hundreds of other places in Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

The Visitors Center is open daily, April 1^st through November 30^th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. December 1^st to March 31^st hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Gift Shop offers a variety of Antique City souvenirs and lovely gift items. The Gift Shop is owned and operated by the Walnut Optimist Club and is supported in large part by the sales from the gift shop.

Bus tours visiting Walnut utilize the Visitors Center as the hub of their trip to Iowa's Antique City, and many local organization use the meeting facilities for their regular meetings numerous special functions.

Walnut Creek Historical Museum

Housed in the former Masonic Temple, built in 1911, the Walnut Creek Historical Museum tells the story of early Walnut are history. Many of the items on display date from 1870's and 1880's when Walnut was a thriving town of 1,000 people.

The first floor features period room displays and a photo gallery, where many pictures of Walnut early history can be found along with pictures of Walnut's graduating seniors since 1899. Early businesses are remembered on the first floor and in the basement with displays of advertising items and other memorabilia from local banks, the flour mill, harness shop, and the area's early doctors.

On the second floor you can learn about the area's involvement in our nation's wars at the military display. Artifacts from the Civil and Spanish American Wars, as well as from World War I and World War II are on display.

Period rooms on the second floor display furniture that came to Walnut by covered wagons or was owned by early settlers.

The Walnut Creek Historical Museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays from Memorial Day through September, and on Thanksgiving Weekend. Other times, tours are available by appointment. For tours call 712/784-2100 or 712/784-3663.

Walnut Communications

Walnut Communications is an independently owned rural Iowa telephone company. Don't let the rural Iowa small town fool you. Walnut Communications was one of the first Iowa telephone companies when they started service in the early 1900's. Today over 85 years later this little company continues to lead the community of Walnut into the future with cutting edge technology.

Word traveled to neighboring communities of our excellence in service and cutting edge technology. Recently, after many requests, Walnut Communication built telephone and cable television systems in three new communities, Avoca, Shelby, and Minden.

Walnut Communications provides local, long distance telephone, and CATV television. They like to help customers get on the information super-highway as an Internet Service Provider with dial up Internet or DSL (High Speed Internet) available.

Equipment sales and wiring installation is just part of Walnut Communications' offerings. 2004 marks our 22^nd year in the cellular phone business - the longest of any phone company in Iowa.

Walnut Communications is your local touch with a global reach company. Stop by and meet the friendly employees and let them help you with your communications needs.

Janet Macdonald opened Aunt B's Restaurant 5 years ago and it has become a popular breakfast, lunch and dinner stop for locals and visitors alike.

The small, quaint restaurant seats 50 in a smoke-free environment and offers a full menu.

Located in the heart of Walnut on Antique City Drive, Aunt B's specialties include apple dumplings, salads (fried chicken is a favorite), soup of the day (in season) and other goodies sure to please you palate.

Aunt B's also offers catering services and hosts private parties.

Summer hours are 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday through Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Winter hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday through Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

While you are shopping in Walnut, stop at Aunt B's and enjoy a delicious meal or just enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of pie while you are taking a little break. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome and Janet's down home cooking will soothe your soul.

Glenn's Food & Pub

Jerry Glenn says his kitchen is open until 10:00 p.m. if you would like to order one of his homemade hand-breaded tenderloins or one of the many other specialty items on the menu.

He invites you to stop to eat or for your favorite cold beverage.

Drop in at Glenn's at 214 Antique City Drive or call 712/784-3063 for carry out.

Sandy's Food & Spirits

There is only one place in Walnut where you have a choice of freshly made foods of all varieties, including a weekday special, your favorite cold beverage, and a relaxing place to rest, visit or play a game of pool.

Sandy's is open at 9:00 a.m. seven days a week.

Let us cook for you at noon, in the evening, or during your busy weekend. You won't regret it. For take out call 712/784-2190 or drop in at 213 Antique City Drive.
 

One-room Country Schoolhouse

Box socials, bake sales and potluck dinners were often held in the one-room Monroe Township No. 8 schoolhouse during its life in south central Shelby County, Iowa. Little girls giggles and the rattle of tin lunch pails were frequently heard sounds in this school's hey-day, and if a gunshot were heard it meant that someone nearby had decided that roasted pheasant or rabbit stew sounded good for supper that night.

Alert students learned a lot. After all, in a one-room with eight grades being taught by a single teacher, younger students were exposed to those 8^th grade lessons seven times before those lessons were intended for them.

Students looked forward to their grade's turn to recite lessons with the teacher, for the only warm place all winter long was around the wood stove where lessons were recited and discussed. Wardrobes were simple, usually just a cotton dress or a shirt tucked inside bib overalls, with a prickly set of long-johns at the foundation garment. And those could be a real problem as you waited too long to make the trip outside to the two-holer.

Teachers in the one-room schools were dedicated, talented, over-worked and under paid. They were a precious asset to our society in rural America, as they exposed our children to the three Rs and to the vastness of the world beyond the patchwork of local farms and rural towns. Then they carried wood for stove and banked the fire nightly, too.

Inevitably, Monroe Township No. 8 was consolidated, and all her students left her.

The pleasant sounds left, too. No. 8 served for a time as a township hall, but eventually the need for such a meeting hall disappeared as well. The site and building were sold, and Monroe Township No. 8 was scheduled to be demolished.

After hearing of the plans to destroy Monroe No. 8, two are women, Ruby Andersen of Harlan and Lettie Johnson then of Marne, initiated an effort to save the old one-room schoolhouse. They brought their ideas and their enthusiasm to the Walnut Creek Historical Society, an organization to which both women belonged.

The project was endorsed by the society, and Ruby and Lettie were asked to co-chair the rescue effort. The owner of the building agreed to give the schoolhouse to the historical society on the condition that it be moved to a new location. But that was only the beginning. Funds to purchase the new site for Monroe Township No. 8 were needed, and the costs of moving the school to Walnut were no small matter.

Bake sale after bake sale, cookbook sales, spaghetti suppers, garage sales as well as individual donations provided the down payment for No. 8's new home and the costs of the move. But still there remains so much to do.

The vision for Monroe Township No. 8 school is to create a working museum furnished as nearly like the original 1920's interior as possible. Modern school classes would then be invited to visit and hold a day of classes there.